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Friday, January 20, 2012

Food Photography and Styling - The Challenge

Challenge 1, Fruit on a white background - no props

Launching Liv Life a year and a half ago I was fairly confident in the photography arena. Shooting at the school or local soccer games brought an immense amount of satisfaction as parents constantly sent requests for copies of my photos and poured on the compliments. Then moving to the dance stage I provided candid shots of our girls from competitions and events, and again, many parents showered me with love and compliments when I shared these photos. Landscape, however, remained my passion as my camera traveled with me all over the world, and I even sold a few prints.

With the launch of Liv Life, my first project had me taking a photo of Korean Style Pork with Asian Slaw. The recipe was wonderful, my photo... not so much. Taken later in the evening in my somewhat darkened kitchen I popped up my flash for a brighter shot, and much to my embarrassment I actually posted that image and at the time, was fairly proud of myself.

Since that day I've worked to improve my photography in the food arena and currently have a sense of immense awe for professional food photographers and stylists. Time and again, my fellow bloggers as well blow me away with stunning shots and set-ups, and though I feel my photography has improved, I still have a long way to go.

Hence, when Laurie, ofA Favored Life, asked me to join her new Food Photography and Styling Group I jumped at the opportunity. Joining this group of extraordinarily talented ladies I suddenly felt, again, very inadequate. Spectacular shots of all kinds have me once again in awe of the sheer talent of these professionals and hobbyists and I'm honored to be a part of the group. As an example, please take a peek at Elaine Melko's gorgeous shot of a pear on white, our first photography challenge.

For our first Food Photography & Styling Challenge, the directive had us photographing fruit on a white background - no props. I was lucky enough to have a recent image already prepared from ourMargarita Lime Jello Cube post with sliced limes on the white background. With my biggest struggle usually being White Balance and Lighting, this method is far from easy. My lime image (shown above) was literally a one-shot-wonder and taken almost as an afterthought along with the Margarita Jello Shots. I'm fairly pleased with the color and balance, though the photo is not as sharp as I would have liked.

Margarita Lime Jello Shots (totally addicting!) shot also on the white background with similar settings. As they are not totally fruit, they are not eligible for the challenge, leaving us with the beautiful lime slices instead.

The pomegranate at the top was a last minute addition to the post and will be revealed further in a salad post that is upcoming (Grapefruit, Avocado and Arugula with a Lemon Vinaigrette). For this image the info reads: ISO 800, f/6.3, 1/30. Shot with the same lens as the limes.

I'm eager to get a start on next month's challenge... something including vegetables and a collage. Stay tuned, and let me know your thoughts about photography... what do you enjoy and what are your biggest challenges?

Everything looks wonderful Kim! Love the lighting on your limes, they are perfect! So glad you joined us for this challenge, and I'm so exited for this year! You always rock those liqueur infused recipes.. can't wait to see what's next!

You always take wonderful photos...I really want to start taking better pics...I think I'm just a bit lazy... The LOVE the lime picture...pretty. For some reason I'm much better at outdoor pictures than food pictures...

All your photos are stunning, Kim, but I absolutely love the Margarita Lime Jello Shots. It's amazing how the white background works so well in bringing out the vibrancy of those little jello squares. That and your amazing photography skill, of course :-)

Thank you for sharing your quest to take better and better photos. I'd love to hear any tips you learn in your new group. I am primarily taking photos with my i-phone 4 and am still intimidated by manual cameras. I enjoy your blog as well. Thanks again.

Hi Kim. I loved reading this as I'm always interested in how other food photographer's approach their photo challenges. Managing light especially with really white or dark backgrounds can be so tricky. I love your shots; they all really hightlight the beauty of the food and your vision. Congrats too on the Top 9!

First of all, I've been following you since the beginning and you haven't ever put up a bad shot! Everything you do is beautiful and quit being so hard on yourself. I really need a lime now for my water, I'd prefer the shots, but it's still a little early for me, lol. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.-Gina-